PSALM CXLVIII _The psalmist calls on all the creation to praise the Lord. The_ _angels and visible heavens_, 1-6; _the earth and the sea_, 7; _the meteors_, 8; _mountains, hills, and trees_, 9; _beasts, reptiles, and fowls_, 10; _kings, princes, and mighty men_, 11; _men, women, and children... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:3. _PRAISE YE HIM, SUN AND MOON_] The meaning of this address and all others to _inanimate nature_, is this: Every work of God's hand partakes so much of his perfections, that it requires only to be studied and known, in order to show forth the manifold _wisdom, power_, and _goodnes... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:4. _HEAVENS OF HEAVENS_] Heavens exceeding heavens. Systems of systems extending as far beyond the solar system, as it does beyond the lowest deeps. The endless systematic concatenation of worlds. _YE WATERS THAT_ BE _ABOVE THE HEAVENS._] This refers to Genesis 1:7, where see the n... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:5. _HE COMMANDED, AND THEY WERE CREATED._] He spake the word expressive of the idea in his infinite mind; and they sprang into being according to that idea.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:6. _HE HATH ALSO STABLISHED THEM_] He has determined their respective _revolutions_, and the _times_ in which they are performed, so exactly to show his all-comprehensive wisdom and skill, that they have never passed the line marked out by his _decree_, nor intercepted each other in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:7. _PRAISE THE LORD FROM THE EARTH_] As in the first address, he calls upon the heavens and all that _belong to them_; so here, in this second part, he calls upon the earth, and all _that_ _belong to it_. _YE DRAGONS_] תנינים _tanninim_, whales, porpoises, sharks, and sea-monsters... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:8. _FIRE, AND HAIL; SNOW, AND VAPOURS_] All kinds of meteors, water, and fire, in all their forms and combinations. And _air_, whether in the gentle _breeze_, the _gale_, the _whirlwind_, the _tempest_, or the _tornado_; each accomplishing an especial purpose, and fulfilling a parti... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:9. _MOUNTAINS, AND ALL HILLS_] Whether _primitive, secondary_, or _alluvial_; of _ancient_ or _recent formation_, with all their _contents_, quarries, mines, and minerals. But what a profusion of wisdom and skill is lavished on these! To instance only in the different metals, earths... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:10. _BEASTS_] החיה _hachaiyah, wild beasts_ of every kind. _ALL CATTLE_] בהמה _behemah_, all _domestic animals_; those used for the service of the _house_, and those for _agricultural_ purposes. _CREEPING THINGS_] All the class of _reptiles_, from the _boa_ _constrictor_, that can... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:11. _KINGS OF THE EARTH_] As being representatives of the Most High; and _all people_-the nations governed by them. _Princes_, as governors of provinces, and _all judges_ executing those laws that bind man to man, and regulate and preserve civil society; _praise God_, from whom ye h... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:12. _BOTH YOUNG MEN, AND MAIDENS_] Who are in the bloom of youth, and in the height of health and vigour; know that God is your Father; and let the morning and energy of your days be devoted to _him_. _OLD MEN, AND CHILDREN_] Very appropriately united here, as the _beginning_ and _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:13. _LET THEM_] All already specified, _praise the name of_ _Jehovah_, because he excels all beings: and _his glory_, as seen in creating, preserving, and governing all things, is על _al, upon_ or _over_, the _earth_ and _heaven_. All _space_ and _place_, as well as the beings found... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 148:14. _HE ALSO EXALTETH THE HORN_] Raises to power and authority _his people_. _THE PRAISE_] Jehovah is the subject of the praise of all his _saints_. _A PEOPLE NEAR UNTO HIM._] The only people who know him, and make their approaches unto him with the _sacrifices_ and _offerings_ wh... [ Continue Reading ]